I have my late Grandpa’s Eye2s as well! Just refreshed them with new grips, and an inch more length on the shaft to fit me as I’m starting to get serious about golf. I keep looking for reasons I need new irons, and I can’t find a single one.
I had the pleasure as a Precision Engineer in the early 90’s of assisting Mr Ken Brown in legalising the Eye 2 up to the Eye 2 + Spec,managing to assist a few touring Pro’s until Ping developed the Eye 2+ That was my moment of fame achieving National Press,fond memories. Thank you Ken.
Still gaming my Eye2+ set in 2023. I did replace the long irons with Ping G425/430 fairway clubs but I kept the 53 degree sand wedge and 58 degree L-wedge. I had Ping refurbish the entire set. I tried a set of Cobra Radspeed irons and a set of Callaway Rogue St Max OS. Both felt clunky and had the feeling they were getting stuck in the impact zone. The main thing I like about the Eye2+ is they go dead straight. I’m 64 years old and I’ll be playing these as long as I can stand up.
Great vid, I grew up playing Eye2's and just recently purchased a 1991 vintage set of Eye2 +'s. Played them 5 or 6 times and LOVE them. I'm and PGA professional and I wish I would have never switched away from these clubs. Karsten was a genius for sure.
I play the eye 2 copper heads now, surprised that such an old club still allows me to be competitive! Love the feel of them even over modern day clubs, can’t fault them plus the copper heads just look great cleaned up
I have a set of ping eye 2 irons. I got the whole set for 40 bucks from a friend who was upgrading about 13 years ago. They are still barely used since I kinda just stopped playing when my son was born. I pulled them out of storage a week ago, which prompted me to google them, which brought me here. I had no idea they were top of the line back in the day.
Me too. I had my eye 2 reshafted because of decreasing swing spread with age , also had the heads reconditioned came out like brand new. I’m riding them now , to the grave
@@jeffreylockwood662 Thinking about re-shafting my eye 2 irons as I am now 55 years old. What shaft did you go with? Currently have KT-M shafts in mine. Did you send your irons in to PING for reconditioning? Thanks, Matt
Very thorough and thoughtful comparison! My experience with the Eye 2 extends to having hit my buddy's clubs two times over 25 years ago; but the funny part is that I still remember the ease of those shots. Later Pings haven't duplicated that feel for me, so the Eye 2's are still the gold standard of easy hitting to me!
Really enjoyed this Randy. Thanks for taking the time. I had the BeCu version of the Eye2s and I loved them. For players who grew up with blades, perimeter weighting made our misses more playable. I hope Ping takes a page out of Callaway's reissue of the Steelhead and make perhaps a limited run reissue of the Eye2 one day with modern grooves. I always felt that Eye2s were the best looking and performing irons Ping ever made.
Sloe Bone HELL yes. I've always thought this. I also just bought a set of I3's on a whim I'm ready to try out, these things are so nicely weighted. Ping just makes beautiful clubs though.
I was building, repairing golf clubs back in the 80s and have done so until 2020. You mentioned grooves getting worn on old clubs. A groove sharpening tool costs little and is worth every penny. Sharp, fresh grooves do make a huge difference, especially in the shorter scoring clubs. There are a ton of old guys still playing the older Ping clubs. I have a set of Eye 2 irons and Zing 2 irons. I prefer the Zing 2. (everyone has their own preferences). As we age we lose swing speed. These days I put senior shafts in my clubs. My wedges are R flex. The entire industry has delofted irons. A comparison to the 70s vs today? Sometimes as much as 5 degrees. As you mentioned, if you need distance grab the next club and get there. Nothing new in club design except for materials and machinery. The science remains. MOI. Move it as far rearward as possible. Perimeter weighting adds forgiveness. Wider soled irons really help the average duffer. Our manufacturing technology is better than it has ever been. The science is the same. Ping was leading in that area for a LONG time. The Eye, Eye 2 and many others as you demonstrated, are very good. Excellent video. Thanks.
I have two sets of Piny Eye2 and I put them away for more than 20 years. After watching your Video, I will take them out of my old golf bags and use again. Thank you, great effort!
Great vid, my son was an assistant pro back in the day, and his best performances were with a second hand set of Eye 2 Beryllium irons. Missed final qualifying for the Open by 1 shot.
I play Eye2s. A few years back I went to a Ping demo day with the intention of buying new irons. Due to my job, I did not play much for quite a while after I bought these clubs. The Ping factory guy looked at them and asked how much I had played them as they did not look very worn. I told him my story and he told go to the local club maker and have a length adjustment. He said he still played them. He could have sold me new irons but did not. Amazing in this day and age. I own the set. 1-LW. I use hybrids now and not the long irons. I used to love that 1 iron. I have always hit the ball high.
Your video shows just how great the Ping Eye 2's were/are. One thing you failed to mention: Cost! I just picked up a set of the Ping Eye 2 Black Dot irons; 1-9, PW, and SW, in almost perfect condition, for $155. I couldn't be happier with the set. Why pay close to a $1000 for a new set just to get maybe 10-15 more yards. Especially since I'm just a weekend golfer in his 70's.
I just bought a ping eye 2 1 iron yesterday. Hit it perhaps 220m on the fly second shot to a par five. One short bounce and it stopped about 8 foot from the pin... Took a birdie :/ What a weapon!
💯. Man, I took about a decade or so off from taking golf seriously (practicing regularly, tracking data, keeping a handicap etc). Coming back now it reminds me of the golf club rat race THEN is still the same golf club rat race NOW. The ultimate answer of whether a set of clubs made any difference is the score and i don't see any of my golf buddies bragging about how an iron change made any difference on their handicap. What makes a difference is their ability to get up and down around the greens and addressing any big swing faults that get them into trouble. This video is fantastic reminder to NOT participate in the golf club rat race❤.
I am in my fifties now and I have a full set of ping eye2 irons 2 iron to lob wedge that I still play with today I bought these in the late eighties when I was in my late teens will never change these clubs unless they break great clubs last a life time I have looked after them like they were mother still love them today ping make really good gear cheers 😎😎
I almost never comment on RUclips videos but I must say - this video is worth commenting on. First off, great job both in your testing and in your explanation. I am glad that you tried to control for everything you could before presenting your data because so often comparisons or reviews are not apples to apples. You did your best to get there. Secondly, this highlights an important point - forgiveness can be measured both left to right and in distance. In general, the player controls left to right but a newer iron can help you immensely with less difference in distance. In other words, mishit balls go nearly as far as a perfect strike. Since I'm trying to get every last bit of help for myself in this crazy game, I need that.
Awesome!! I live in Warsaw. I saw bobicks in the background and realized i've been there before!!! You're channel is great, your swing is great, and i love watching them! Keep up the good work!!
I've only been playing golf now for two years, and after my first year of playing with a mixed bag of clubs I was given, I went on and purchased a second hand set of Ping Eye clubs from an ex-pro. I find them amazing clubs and will do me for years to come. I have now got used to them and know what to expect from each one which improves my game.
I still have my Eye 2+ irons that my parents bought me in 1991. My son plays with them now. Those clubs have aged very well. I'm glad to see they still have a strong following.
I just picked up a set of Eye 2, red dot 3-PW for $40 US. I paid more to have them regripped ($66) than I did for the clubs. I'm into them for $106 total and I love them. I played my first round with them today, and even though I'm sure it will take me a few rounds to get used to them, I hit them much better then I thought I would. I'm excited to get more rounds under my belt with these irons. Plus...they're just so damn cool.
I had the same experience back then, I was playing muscle back blade,great club. A mate of mine got a set a eye2's, could not believe how good they performed and felt. Being a little young and not as smart I persisted wit the blades. Today I have a set of beryllium eye 2 + 1-sw, i3 2-sw and g700.
Like the test, looks like equalizing for loft difference would put the Eye2 and G fairly equivalent. Could do without the grooves subtext; grooves don't cause spin on clean lies (grooveless iron tests showed an increase in spin on clean lies)
I've had my Eye 2 coppers for 28 years. When they were new, I could back up a 4-iron with it. Obviously, I can't do that anymore; most likely because at 66 I don't get the club head speed I got in my 30's, but the grooves are probably a little worn down too, as you suggested.
i have played with a set of Ping eye 2's that Karsten himself gave me 30 years ago, when my dad built a course for him in Nottingham, England. I have just updated to ping gmax, which are on their way to me.... so interested to watch this, thanks. And test again with a regroove!
Very interesting indeed. I have a set of Beryllium Copper Eye 2+ (3i to PW) and I will never part with them. I also have the G425 (complete set) and you’re correct, the newer technology provides forgiveness in the miss hits whilst the Eye2+ doesn’t. Apart from that, thats it! Thanks.
been using a set of tailormade super steel burner irons for 6 months these where introduced in the year 2001 sold my m2 irons hitting irons better then ever good video sir
Great Video Steve! I just did the same comparison at the local golf range myself. I have always loved my Ping Eye 2 irons since buying them new in 1985. I routinely change grips and did put new shafts in them about a year ago. I notice "perhaps" a little less vibration but that could have been in my mind. No distance difference though. Ever once in awhile I would hit a couple of balls with somebody's newer Ping clubs just to get a feel for it. I could never tell much difference. But last week the Pro asked me to try a new demo i200. He put equivalent shaft and loft/lie in the demo i200 and I hit a small bucket of balls using both 7 irons. I had about the same results as you. Feel wise - no difference. Both straight as a string and approximately the same carry. I also did notice - of center hits - with the i200 seem to carry a little further, but thought that may also have been my imagination. So, I told the Pro - at approximately $100 per club - no way would I consider upgrading. Now that I've watch your more scientific demonstration - I feel even better about my trial and my conclusions. I believe if Ping would come out with a modern club called PING EYE 2 "Classics". Modernise the grooves, material, and whatever - they would sell a truck load of clubs, including a bunch of guys like me who just want some prettier upgraded Ping Eye 2s! Until then....... I'm not changing. thanks again,
Let's not forget the original PING EYE club's. They were the original first "big jump" in club quality. EYE's were like the first Boston album - it changed the way things were.
Still playing the eye 2's! Went to a local shop for a "free fitting day" and couldn't really see much change between them and other stuff on the market, so I'm sticking with them.
I just started playing but this year. I was given a set of ping eye 2+ becu 3-9, W,S,L. I was really curious about if I should get newer clubs or not, to improve my game. Your video really helped a lot. thanks.
I have the Eye and Eye 2. The original Eye used perimeter weighting as well. They are very similar and you can see that when you address the club. The Eye 2 is/was an improvement over the original Eye. I hit them nearly the same.
Love this video! Ping eye 2's rock. I think after all these years there should be massive differences and there simply is not. Regrip your old Pings and play golf baby.
One factor you didn't consider is ball technology. In the 80's and early 90's, we were still playing with balatas and other wound 3-piece balls. Nowadays, we play with a solid core ball generally having less spin than older counterparts to counteract "bad" side spin. Curious how the modern clubs would perform with wound 3-piece balatas. What I really love about the Ping Eye 2's is the smaller head and top line profile compared to newer clubs today. What I didn't love as much, though a bit better with the beryllium copper versions, is the lack of softer feel you got with the forged blades of the day.
Nice vid. I measured myself on the Ping colour chart and I am a green dot (guess I have short arms!). Bought myself a full set of Eye2 irons for about £30 ($38) on eBay. Done nothing with them, no loft and lie check, same shafts and old grips. Didn't even resharpen the grooves! Took them to the range and they were great - I haven't played golf for well over 10 years but steadily found my way back into the rhythm. My tip: don't waste loads of money on a brand new set of clubs if you are just starting out - buy proven used quality. Afterall, a top of the range set of clubs that is 10 or 20 years old is still likely a very well made forged club with little or no real differences to a brand new set of mid-range or low-range priced clubs.
Agree. If i were just starting the game I'd buy a set of eye 2 irons, some adams hybrids, a ping g20 driver, a few vokey sm5 wedges and a ping answer putter. You could genuinely compete with a set of clubs that are 20 yrs old
Nice video. I am more of a Renaissance Man. I still use the eye2 to this day. Eye 2 Red and Orange dot. I also have a set of ISI K Green. The favorite is red and orange, can't choose between the two. The PW and SWs are awesome. What spin. Calcavecchia could spin back his 4 iron effortlessly. How do you improve on perfection! Thanks for showing us the new eye candy, but I will keep what I have.
Another great video!! Thanks!! You focus a lot on spin and distance. Me . . . I'm a little more interested in dispersion (combo of distance and direction!). Of course I'm not that good of a golfer (15 handicap). Keep up the great videos. I love the mixture you give us - information, humor, entertainment!!
question, would the club head wt, make any difference and where the wt is located,, wt more in the bottom of the club head or wt more in the center of the club head, and what about the type of shaft make a difference
Be nice to see that Ping eye 2 7 iron. Its at 36 degrees so close to the 34. Just to see where the spin rates measure up. I know my six iron is only a half inch longer, but it feels much longer at setup. My 7 iron usually goes about +/- 162 yards.
I bought a set of green dots 5-6 years ago, regripped them, still using them. Called Ping today to run my serial # on them, came back with 3-PW, (I have complete set, all #s match) made in June 1987, 32 years old, still perform well.
Ping Eye 2 was my first full set of golf clubs, given to me free as they were 20 years old. Only stopped playing them when the heads started to finally come off:) Tried other brands after and ended up back with Ping. Don't care about branding they just do good clubs that give good feel. Might try and get another set of Eye 2's again and see how (if) I've progressed since then:) Great vid. Again, it's down to your swing, not really the clubs. Sick of telling friends this...
I love these comparisons. I still got a set of copper Ping Eye 2’s and a set of copper Ping Zing’s. I don’t play them but after watching comps I put my wedge back into play and guess what? It’s far easier to control around the green.
Excellent! Thank you! I just bought a set of Ping i3s on a whim and I believe they are VERY comparable to a set of Ping Gs I played a few rounds with. Honestly . . . not worth the extra money to me! But then again . . . I'm cheap!!
Great review. I thank Peter Finch for the shout out to your channel I have always liked him, Rick shields and some of the other Brits for there club reviews and lesson content and now I have a American reviewer to follow, keep it coming.
still play my adams a4r irons, they tech was first brought out for it in 08 and I hit other irons for fun but nothing beats the my old a4r's just shoot my best round numbers with them, recently switch to srixon a 945 used them for 2 months and hit less greens in reg. sold them on eBay back to the adams a4r and I almost had my first ace today
Gamed these in the early 90's had 1-LW in Berylium copper. Awesome irons and i wish i kept them!! Still see a few BECU wedges kicking around in bags. 👍🏻👍🏻
Ping eye 2's for life, baby. Regripping mine on Thursday. Thank you for the info about the grooves and the importance. Not sure if regrooving is a common practice or who does such a service but I'll check around.
Thanks for doing this. I stopped playing golf about 15 years ago because of multiple arthritis issues. Prior to that though, I had some pretty sweet equipment, incl a full-set (1 thru lob wedge) of Tommy Armor 845s, some killer putters, Big Bertha 3 & 5 woods, a Ping oversized driver with matching 3 and 5 woods and a BIGGEST BIG BERTHA driver. That driver cost $500 new, back about 20 years ago. I know that technology is always changing - some say improving - but if something like that Biggest BB was awesome then, it should be awesome now. I also think the average golfer who shoots mid 80s can play just as well with 20 old sticks, if he doesn’t let it affect his thinking. Scrolling thru eBay, I was surprised to see several Biggest Big Bertha drivers for around $30! Holy cow, that is cheap. It also looks like you could put a 3 thru PW set of Ping Eye 2s or 845s for under $100.
I bought these back in '83 and went back to them this year after 2 years of AP2 714s. By the way does anyone know who was rocking out that song when he was hitting balls?
I'd love to see more "forgiveness" data - on the i200 and iBlade and more depth on the G or other irons for that matter. A 5 yard drop off from best to worst shots is amazing, I'd love to see if that was for real or just a really nice set of 10 shots. The data I've seen from most modern irons is much closer to the spread you got from the Eye 2.
My Ping Eye 2’s are still my go to. I’ve had irons that I hit further, but never any that were sweeter. I don’t mind that I need more club than the other guys I’m playing with to get the same distance.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm still playing my grandfather's Eye 2's. great clubs.
I have my late Grandpa’s Eye2s as well! Just refreshed them with new grips, and an inch more length on the shaft to fit me as I’m starting to get serious about golf. I keep looking for reasons I need new irons, and I can’t find a single one.
Yes same I'm playing my grandfather as well beryllium copper and low torque graphite shafts
I had the pleasure as a Precision Engineer in the early 90’s of assisting Mr Ken Brown in legalising the Eye 2 up to the Eye 2 + Spec,managing to assist a few touring Pro’s until Ping developed the Eye 2+
That was my moment of fame achieving National Press,fond memories. Thank you Ken.
I still hit them! Such a comfortable club.
What shafts to replace the original shafts
What are the major changes other than loft and sole on the two models?
Still gaming my Eye2+ set in 2023. I did replace the long irons with Ping G425/430 fairway clubs but I kept the 53 degree sand wedge and 58 degree L-wedge. I had Ping refurbish the entire set. I tried a set of Cobra Radspeed irons and a set of Callaway Rogue St Max OS. Both felt clunky and had the feeling they were getting stuck in the impact zone. The main thing I like about the Eye2+ is they go dead straight. I’m 64 years old and I’ll be playing these as long as I can stand up.
Great vid, I grew up playing Eye2's and just recently purchased a 1991 vintage set of Eye2 +'s. Played them 5 or 6 times and LOVE them. I'm and PGA professional and I wish I would have never switched away from these clubs. Karsten was a genius for sure.
Thank you! Every time I think of trying new clubs just can’t give up my eye 2s
I play the eye 2 copper heads now, surprised that such an old club still allows me to be competitive! Love the feel of them even over modern day clubs, can’t fault them plus the copper heads just look great cleaned up
I have a set of ping eye 2 irons. I got the whole set for 40 bucks from a friend who was upgrading about 13 years ago. They are still barely used since I kinda just stopped playing when my son was born. I pulled them out of storage a week ago, which prompted me to google them, which brought me here. I had no idea they were top of the line back in the day.
This video probably just saved me a grand. Thank you!
Me too. I had my eye 2 reshafted because of decreasing swing spread with age , also had the heads reconditioned came out like brand new. I’m riding them now , to the grave
@@jeffreylockwood662 Thinking about re-shafting my eye 2 irons as I am now 55 years old. What shaft did you go with? Currently have KT-M shafts in mine. Did you send your irons in to PING for reconditioning? Thanks, Matt
Very thorough and thoughtful comparison! My experience with the Eye 2 extends to having hit my buddy's clubs two times over 25 years ago; but the funny part is that I still remember the ease of those shots. Later Pings haven't duplicated that feel for me, so the Eye 2's are still the gold standard of easy hitting to me!
Really enjoyed this Randy. Thanks for taking the time. I had the BeCu version of the Eye2s and I loved them. For players who grew up with blades, perimeter weighting made our misses more playable. I hope Ping takes a page out of Callaway's reissue of the Steelhead and make perhaps a limited run reissue of the Eye2 one day with modern grooves. I always felt that Eye2s were the best looking and performing irons Ping ever made.
I still play my Ping becu eye 2’s still my favorite club! Great comparison!
Same for me, playing it since twenty years, great irons and won’t change them for any others...
Ping needs to bring back the Eye 2's with modern loft specs, it would be like printing money! Karsten got it right back in 1983.
greatest irons of ALL TİME:)
Sloe Bone I agree. New finishes to choose from maybe. Chrome, Satin black or maybe Copper again.
Sloe Bone HELL yes. I've always thought this. I also just bought a set of I3's on a whim I'm ready to try out, these things are so nicely weighted. Ping just makes beautiful clubs though.
dmitry92203 que to
Sloe Bone Playing a 1 Iron Karsten tomorrow!!
I was building, repairing golf clubs back in the 80s and have done so until 2020. You mentioned grooves getting worn on old clubs. A groove sharpening tool costs little and is worth every penny. Sharp, fresh grooves do make a huge difference, especially in the shorter scoring clubs. There are a ton of old guys still playing the older Ping clubs. I have a set of Eye 2 irons and Zing 2 irons. I prefer the Zing 2. (everyone has their own preferences). As we age we lose swing speed. These days I put senior shafts in my clubs. My wedges are R flex. The entire industry has delofted irons. A comparison to the 70s vs today? Sometimes as much as 5 degrees. As you mentioned, if you need distance grab the next club and get there. Nothing new in club design except for materials and machinery. The science remains. MOI. Move it as far rearward as possible. Perimeter weighting adds forgiveness. Wider soled irons really help the average duffer. Our manufacturing technology is better than it has ever been. The science is the same. Ping was leading in that area for a LONG time. The Eye, Eye 2 and many others as you demonstrated, are very good. Excellent video. Thanks.
I have two sets of Piny Eye2 and I put them away for more than 20 years. After watching your Video, I will take them out of my old golf bags and use again. Thank you, great effort!
I'm sure this took a lot of time. Very thankful that you did this.
Great vid, my son was an assistant pro back in the day, and his best performances were with a second hand set of Eye 2 Beryllium irons. Missed final qualifying for the Open by 1 shot.
I play Eye2s. A few years back I went to a Ping demo day with the intention of buying new irons. Due to my job, I did not play much for quite a while after I bought these clubs. The Ping factory guy looked at them and asked how much I had played them as they did not look very worn. I told him my story and he told go to the local club maker and have a length adjustment. He said he still played them. He could have sold me new irons but did not. Amazing in this day and age. I own the set. 1-LW. I use hybrids now and not the long irons. I used to love that 1 iron. I have always hit the ball high.
Your video shows just how great the Ping Eye 2's were/are. One thing you failed to mention: Cost!
I just picked up a set of the Ping Eye 2 Black Dot irons; 1-9, PW, and SW, in almost perfect condition, for $155. I couldn't be happier with the set. Why pay close to a $1000 for a new set just to get maybe 10-15 more yards. Especially since I'm just a weekend golfer in his 70's.
Every time I think about buying new irons, I come back to this video and tell myself that lessons would be better than clubs!!!
Thanks for the great review. Played with others peoples clubs and looking at getting used eye 2 clubs.
I still use mine...having a hard time changing them. I have re shafted twice and re griped it a few more times. They still work fine!
I love these 'back to the future' reviews. i love seeing the new tech v old technology and discussing the difference
Thanks Jason!
Still rockin the ping eyes 2 iron. Love it!
I just bought a ping eye 2 1 iron yesterday. Hit it perhaps 220m on the fly second shot to a par five. One short bounce and it stopped about 8 foot from the pin... Took a birdie :/ What a weapon!
💯. Man, I took about a decade or so off from taking golf seriously (practicing regularly, tracking data, keeping a handicap etc).
Coming back now it reminds me of the golf club rat race THEN is still the same golf club rat race NOW.
The ultimate answer of whether a set of clubs made any difference is the score and i don't see any of my golf buddies bragging about how an iron change made any difference on their handicap.
What makes a difference is their ability to get up and down around the greens and addressing any big swing faults that get them into trouble.
This video is fantastic reminder to NOT participate in the golf club rat race❤.
I am in my fifties now and I have a full set of ping eye2 irons 2 iron to lob wedge that I still play with today I bought these in the late eighties when I was in my late teens will never change these clubs unless they break great clubs last a life time I have looked after them like they were mother still love them today ping make really good gear cheers 😎😎
I used them for 5 years in the late 90s, got me down to 3 hcp best irons ever.
Great video that shows there really isn't much difference in tech!
Nice pointing out the difference in long/short shots on the irons. A lot of people just look at distance and don't take that into consideration.
I almost never comment on RUclips videos but I must say - this video is worth commenting on. First off, great job both in your testing and in your explanation. I am glad that you tried to control for everything you could before presenting your data because so often comparisons or reviews are not apples to apples. You did your best to get there. Secondly, this highlights an important point - forgiveness can be measured both left to right and in distance. In general, the player controls left to right but a newer iron can help you immensely with less difference in distance. In other words, mishit balls go nearly as far as a perfect strike. Since I'm trying to get every last bit of help for myself in this crazy game, I need that.
Randy, I would love to see if you can get those spin numbers up by regrooving the EYE2. Great video!
Awesome!! I live in Warsaw. I saw bobicks in the background and realized i've been there before!!! You're channel is great, your swing is great, and i love watching them! Keep up the good work!!
Thanks for the support Cal, next time your'e in say 'What's up'!
I've only been playing golf now for two years, and after my first year of playing with a mixed bag of clubs I was given, I went on and purchased a second hand set of Ping Eye clubs from an ex-pro. I find them amazing clubs and will do me for years to come. I have now got used to them and know what to expect from each one which improves my game.
Great video, I just put some eye 2 in my bag to play tomorrow. Very nice break down
I still have my Eye 2+ irons that my parents bought me in 1991. My son plays with them now. Those clubs have aged very well. I'm glad to see they still have a strong following.
I just picked up a set of Eye 2, red dot 3-PW for $40 US. I paid more to have them regripped ($66) than I did for the clubs. I'm into them for $106 total and I love them. I played my first round with them today, and even though I'm sure it will take me a few rounds to get used to them, I hit them much better then I thought I would. I'm excited to get more rounds under my belt with these irons.
Plus...they're just so damn cool.
Great video randy, glad to hear that eye 2's are still up to snuff!
Have hit blades all my life. Rented a set on a course in ‘83. I couldn’t believe how solid the Ping was! It felt like cheating it was so good!
I had the same experience back then, I was playing muscle back blade,great club. A mate of mine got a set a eye2's, could not believe how good they performed and felt. Being a little young and not as smart I persisted wit the blades. Today I have a set of beryllium eye 2 + 1-sw, i3 2-sw and g700.
so the biggest difference between the Eye 2 and the I200 is the spelling?
Jason Ferreira the biggest difference is the price 😜
Jason Ferreira and that the eye 2s are illegal
Blarg13 no they're not.
Wrong
They are grandfathered in so they're legal to play on the major tours my transgendered friend.
Like the test, looks like equalizing for loft difference would put the Eye2 and G fairly equivalent.
Could do without the grooves subtext; grooves don't cause spin on clean lies
(grooveless iron tests showed an increase in spin on clean lies)
I've had my Eye 2 coppers for 28 years. When they were new, I could back up a 4-iron with it. Obviously, I can't do that anymore; most likely because at 66 I don't get the club head speed I got in my 30's, but the grooves are probably a little worn down too, as you suggested.
Got my dad a used set of these for Christmas. They’ve always been his favorite irons and they still stack up against modern day clubs.
great vid, just took up golf at 52 , using my dads Ping eye 2 red dot great clubs, thanks from Ireland
Best club comparison/data comparison video on RUclips right here. Great job.
Thanks Joseph!
Great test. 're: Ping Eye 2...don't forget we were using ballata balls back then...those balls spun heaps more than any current ball.
Thanks Jeffrey, good point!
i have played with a set of Ping eye 2's that Karsten himself gave me 30 years ago, when my dad built a course for him in Nottingham, England. I have just updated to ping gmax, which are on their way to me.... so interested to watch this, thanks. And test again with a regroove!
Very interesting indeed. I have a set of Beryllium Copper Eye 2+ (3i to PW) and I will never part with them. I also have the G425 (complete set) and you’re correct, the newer technology provides forgiveness in the miss hits whilst the Eye2+ doesn’t. Apart from that, thats it! Thanks.
Happy 6000 subscribers! many many more to come. Mich.
Thanks!
been using a set of tailormade super steel burner irons for 6 months these where introduced in the year 2001 sold my m2 irons hitting irons better then ever good video sir
Every time I get anxious to get a new set of irons, I watch this video!!!
Great Video Steve! I just did the same comparison at the local golf range myself. I have always loved my Ping Eye 2 irons since buying them new in 1985. I routinely change grips and did put new shafts in them about a year ago. I notice "perhaps" a little less vibration but that could have been in my mind. No distance difference though. Ever once in awhile I would hit a couple of balls with somebody's newer Ping clubs just to get a feel for it. I could never tell much difference. But last week the Pro asked me to try a new demo i200. He put equivalent shaft and loft/lie in the demo i200 and I hit a small bucket of balls using both 7 irons. I had about the same results as you. Feel wise - no difference. Both straight as a string and approximately the same carry. I also did notice - of center hits - with the i200 seem to carry a little further, but thought that may also have been my imagination. So, I told the Pro - at approximately $100 per club - no way would I consider upgrading. Now that I've watch your more scientific demonstration - I feel even better about my trial and my conclusions. I believe if Ping would come out with a modern club called PING EYE 2 "Classics". Modernise the grooves, material, and whatever - they would sell a truck load of clubs, including a bunch of guys like me who just want some prettier upgraded Ping Eye 2s! Until then....... I'm not changing.
thanks again,
Thanks Mike!
Let's not forget the original PING EYE club's. They were the original first "big jump" in club quality. EYE's were like the first Boston album - it changed the way things were.
Karsten 2's were great too!
Great video. I recently sold my Ping Eye 2+ irons, they were fantastic.
Still playing the eye 2's! Went to a local shop for a "free fitting day" and couldn't really see much change between them and other stuff on the market, so I'm sticking with them.
Awersome review !
I'm hitting i 200's currently.
Keep up the great work and info service for equiment junkies like me.
Danny
I just started playing but this year. I was given a set of ping eye 2+ becu 3-9, W,S,L. I was really curious about if I should get newer clubs or not, to improve my game. Your video really helped a lot. thanks.
I have the Eye and Eye 2. The original Eye used perimeter weighting as well. They are very similar and you can see that when you address the club. The Eye 2 is/was an improvement over the original Eye. I hit them nearly the same.
Still have my ping eye 2 one through pitching wedge
Love this video! Ping eye 2's rock. I think after all these years there should be massive differences and there simply is not. Regrip your old Pings and play golf baby.
One factor you didn't consider is ball technology. In the 80's and early 90's, we were still playing with balatas and other wound 3-piece balls. Nowadays, we play with a solid core ball generally having less spin than older counterparts to counteract "bad" side spin. Curious how the modern clubs would perform with wound 3-piece balatas. What I really love about the Ping Eye 2's is the smaller head and top line profile compared to newer clubs today. What I didn't love as much, though a bit better with the beryllium copper versions, is the lack of softer feel you got with the forged blades of the day.
Nice vid. I measured myself on the Ping colour chart and I am a green dot (guess I have short arms!). Bought myself a full set of Eye2 irons for about £30 ($38) on eBay. Done nothing with them, no loft and lie check, same shafts and old grips. Didn't even resharpen the grooves!
Took them to the range and they were great - I haven't played golf for well over 10 years but steadily found my way back into the rhythm.
My tip: don't waste loads of money on a brand new set of clubs if you are just starting out - buy proven used quality. Afterall, a top of the range set of clubs that is 10 or 20 years old is still likely a very well made forged club with little or no real differences to a brand new set of mid-range or low-range priced clubs.
Agree. If i were just starting the game I'd buy a set of eye 2 irons, some adams hybrids, a ping g20 driver, a few vokey sm5 wedges and a ping answer putter. You could genuinely compete with a set of clubs that are 20 yrs old
Nice video. I am more of a Renaissance Man. I still use the eye2 to this day. Eye 2 Red and Orange dot. I also have a set of ISI K Green. The favorite is red and orange, can't choose between the two. The PW and SWs are awesome. What spin. Calcavecchia could spin back his 4 iron effortlessly. How do you improve on perfection! Thanks for showing us the new eye candy, but I will keep what I have.
Excellent comparison!! Thank you. I just made an offer on a set of Eye 2's. Very affordable over new and negligible performance difference.
Great set of sticks, Consider getting the groves redone though...
One of the best golf channels out there - so glad I subscribed. Funny but very informative...keep up the great vids!
What about dispersal pattern? Where it is going means more to me than minor distance numbers.
i have and still use those ping eyed 2ws from 1982,i love them
I hope you do more of these types of videos like titlest dci 962 black vs new titlest irons
Another great video!! Thanks!! You focus a lot on spin and distance. Me . . . I'm a little more interested in dispersion (combo of distance and direction!). Of course I'm not that good of a golfer (15 handicap). Keep up the great videos. I love the mixture you give us - information, humor, entertainment!!
I'm currently using my Dad's old eye 2's from '92, I've been looking at a new set of irons but these just seem to work!
I have a full set of Pi g black eye 2. 1 iron through PW. Still use them. This was a great video, I almost shelved them.
Had a set of the eye2's from '85- 1999. Still, have a one iron, sand wedge and the woods.
question, would the club head wt, make any difference and where the wt is located,, wt more in the bottom of the club head or wt more in the center of the club head, and what about the type of shaft make a difference
Be nice to see that Ping eye 2 7 iron. Its at 36 degrees so close to the 34. Just to see where the spin rates measure up. I know my six iron is only a half inch longer, but it feels much longer at setup. My 7 iron usually goes about +/- 162 yards.
I bought a set of green dots 5-6 years ago, regripped them, still using them. Called Ping today to run my serial # on them, came back with 3-PW, (I have complete set, all #s match) made in June 1987, 32 years old, still perform well.
Ping Eye 2 was my first full set of golf clubs, given to me free as they were 20 years old. Only stopped playing them when the heads started to finally come off:) Tried other brands after and ended up back with Ping. Don't care about branding they just do good clubs that give good feel. Might try and get another set of Eye 2's again and see how (if) I've progressed since then:) Great vid. Again, it's down to your swing, not really the clubs. Sick of telling friends this...
I love these comparisons. I still got a set of copper Ping Eye 2’s and a set of copper Ping Zing’s. I don’t play them but after watching comps I put my wedge back into play and guess what? It’s far easier to control around the green.
The ball has changed too. The EYE2 (pre April 1989) with a balata ball makes the difference. Made for some interesting stopping action.
Excellent! Thank you! I just bought a set of Ping i3s on a whim and I believe they are VERY comparable to a set of Ping Gs I played a few rounds with. Honestly . . . not worth the extra money to me! But then again . . . I'm cheap!!
Very helpful. You saved me 2 Gs. New grips for the old Wilson staffs it is. 40 bucks! Thanks!
Great review. I thank Peter Finch for the shout out to your channel I have always liked him, Rick shields and some of the other Brits for there club reviews and lesson content and now I have a American reviewer to follow, keep it coming.
Uncle just gave me ping eye 2 sets. Wow, so easy to use!!
still play my adams a4r irons, they tech was first brought out for it in 08 and I hit other irons for fun but nothing beats the my old a4r's just shoot my best round numbers with them, recently switch to srixon a 945 used them for 2 months and hit less greens in reg. sold them on eBay back to the adams a4r and I almost had my first ace today
Gamed these in the early 90's had 1-LW in Berylium copper. Awesome irons and i wish i kept them!! Still see a few BECU wedges kicking around in bags. 👍🏻👍🏻
Very good, nice to see a little humility!!
So unless your playing of scratch or better use your clubs till you wear those puppies out :)
Amen.
Try and wear out pings stainless....it would survive a nuclear Holocaust.
Ping eye 2's for life, baby. Regripping mine on Thursday. Thank you for the info about the grooves and the importance. Not sure if regrooving is a common practice or who does such a service but I'll check around.
Thanks for doing this. I stopped playing golf about 15 years ago because of multiple arthritis issues. Prior to that though, I had some pretty sweet equipment, incl a full-set (1 thru lob wedge) of Tommy Armor 845s, some killer putters, Big Bertha 3 & 5 woods, a Ping oversized driver with matching 3 and 5 woods and a BIGGEST BIG BERTHA driver.
That driver cost $500 new, back about 20 years ago. I know that technology is always changing - some say improving - but if something like that Biggest BB was awesome then, it should be awesome now. I also think the average golfer who shoots mid 80s can play just as well with 20 old sticks, if he doesn’t let it affect his thinking.
Scrolling thru eBay, I was surprised to see several Biggest Big Bertha drivers for around $30! Holy cow, that is cheap. It also looks like you could put a 3 thru PW set of Ping Eye 2s or 845s for under $100.
A really thorough test, great work.
Thanks, appreciate the feedback!
Thanks for the comparison! You did a good job on acknowledging that, hey, it's just a fun comparison!
🙏
I bought these back in '83 and went back to them this year after 2 years of AP2 714s. By the way does anyone know who was rocking out that song when he was hitting balls?
wow, great content, got yourself a new subscriber, top job bro, really well spoken, keep it up, look forward to new vids ☺
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
I'd love to see more "forgiveness" data - on the i200 and iBlade and more depth on the G or other irons for that matter. A 5 yard drop off from best to worst shots is amazing, I'd love to see if that was for real or just a really nice set of 10 shots. The data I've seen from most modern irons is much closer to the spread you got from the Eye 2.
Just got a set of black dot eye 2’s for free. Super excited to take them on the course!
about bloody time lol ... I used to game the i2 had it in the bag for 15 years . only changed because the shafts and grooves got worn out
I had ping eye 2 black dots up until 3 days ago. just got taylormade m2 irons
Really cool. Would love to see the Ping Zing 2 or ISI compared as well, as those might be closest to the G series of modern day.
Just bought a kick ass set of ping eye2's with the orange dots..
Considering the variables, your conclusions may still prove to be as welcoming as a frrrt in an elevator to iron producers.
Good video!
My Ping Eye 2’s are still my go to. I’ve had irons that I hit further, but never any that were sweeter. I don’t mind that I need more club than the other guys I’m playing with to get the same distance.
Just watched a video on the difference between newly sharpened grooves and there was a 600rpm difference. I always loved the Ping eye 2 look and feel.
You got a new subscriber. Love your knowledge